. /.  WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  TN/TF/W/11 
4 February 2005 
 
 (05-0478) 
Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation Original:   English 
  
 
COMMUNICATION FROM THE UNITED STATES 
  
 The following communication, dated 4 February 20 05, is being circulated at the request of the 
United States. 
 
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INTRODUCTION TO PROPOSALS BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 
 
 
1. The United States continues to hold the vi ew that successful negotiations on Trade 
Facilitation should be straightforward and simple.  The WTO does its best work when it takes a 
practical workmanlike approach in a problem-solving  mode, and this approach will serve well in the 
negotiations on Trade Facilitation.  Given the shar ed objective of a rules-based transparent, and 
efficient approach to goods crossing the border, our view of the negotiations is not one of trading 
concessions, but one of identifying individual problems and developing  targeted solutions – both in 
developing new and strengthened commitments a nd on establishing a path toward their full 
implementation. 
2. Whether concerned about regional neighbours or more distant key markets, every Member – 
as both an importer and an exporter – has a very real  stake in the results of these negotiations.  The 
proposals submitted by the United States for improvem ents and clarifications of GATT Articles V, 
VIII, and X will aim to improve the global trading system – ensuring that Members' regulatory infrastructure keeps pace with advancements in co mmercial logistical practices.  The results of the 
negotiations will also enhance individual Members'  administrative capabilities to achieve compliance 
with applicable requirements pertaining to duty co llection, health, safety, and the environment. 
3. No other work in the Doha Development Agenda is likely to have as much potential to assist 
small- and medium-sized enterprises around the glob e, particularly in developing countries.  These 
negotiations can result in a portal to the explora tion of new market opportunities and ensure that 
potential economic gains are not diminished by a lack of transparency, or undue delays in procedures. 
4. Since the August decision to launch negotiations , the United States has informally consulted 
with many Members.  It is apparent that deve loping-country Members share an interest in robust 
results, but it is important to ensure that negotia tions are conducted with all Members fully engaged, 
with a complete understanding of pr oposals and their implications. 
5. The United States is putting forward its proposal s in a manner that allows a "bite-sized" 
approach as the negotiations proceed.  The United States is submitting, prior to the 7 February 
meeting of the WTO Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation, four discrete proposals representing 
clarification and improvements in the form of co mmitments regarding Internet publication, customs 
fees, express shipments and advance rulings.  More pr oposals of this nature will be forthcoming, each 
in a similar discrete articulation.  TN/TF/W/11 
Page 2  
 
 6. Within each proposal, the United States also at tempts to address – not in an exhaustive 
manner – various relevant elements that have been identified as con cerns, such as cost implications, 
special and differential treatment, and technical assist ance.  In addition, the proposals include citations 
to WTO documents to allow refere nce to previous – and often deta iled –  technical submissions or 
discussions that have taken place within the WTO re garding the element captured by the particular 
proposal.  Finally, for each of the proposals, the United States suggests next steps for Members to 
undertake.   
 
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